Wednesday, March 27, 2013

Hotel Tour: The Ace Hotel & Swim Club

When we first arrived in Palm Springs I didn't know what to make of this small village. It was late and there wasn't much to see so we settled into the Ace Hotel, unpacked, explored the grounds and ate dinner and marshmallows by the communal fireplace. We met (somewhat drunk) locals staying at the hotel because their home was being renovated and chatted for a while. We listened to their stories and we talked about kangaroos, as you do.

The next morning we were greeted with mountains and tall palm trees. I'm grateful the homes in Palm Springs are low lying so that you can really appreciate the full view of the desert landscape. Mother Nature is beautiful.

The interior of the rooms have a camping feel to them - nothing quite like any hotel I've stayed in previously. The curtains are made of tents and they have used sustainable materials to design a room that is functional and simple and filled with vintage furniture.

We didn't know what to think of the hotel at first but it is the attention to detail in the design that draws you in - the pockets in the headboards where you can store books and other things, the hooks on the walls that allow you to hang your own pictures and personalise the room and the bedside lamps that glow red were an unexpected feature.

This old mid-century motel has been turned into a fun place to stay. I wish I could go back.

Have you stayed at the Ace? What did you think of the hotel? What is the most unusual / different / interesting hotel you have stayed in?
PS. Next up I'll share with you my new outdoor communal area. It might not have a fireplace but it definitely has good conversation.
This post is dedicated to my friend Emily Sephton.

ish & chi is a design blog by interior designer Vivian Panagos featuring tours, interviews with creatives, decorating and style ideas, and a portfolio of projects including the makeover of her Sydney home.